United Fund board hopeful goal will be met

Saturday

Dec 22, 2012 at 12:01 AM

Campaign that helps 11 local programs $6,000 short.

Loyal supporters have responded very well to the Pratt County United Fund, but the umbrella campaign that supports 11 agencies working to improve the quality of life in the community is currently $6,000 short of the goal.

Rick Abrams, a member of the board of directors, credits the shortfall to the economy, but is hopeful that the additional $6,000 can be raised.

"We encourage everyone to think of us this time of year," he said.

Contributions can be mailed to 114 N. Main, Pratt, KS 67124.

Businesses are typically the largest contributors, but smaller amounts from many people make a big impact. While most of the non-profit organizations do their own fund-raising as well, United Fund is always an important part of their budgets.

Programs and services supported by Pratt County United Fund include:

• Boy and Girl Scouts, with an equal amount for each organization.

• Family Crisis Center, located in Great Bend, which provides services for local victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

• Pratt Cannonball Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross, which provides disaster assistance, bloodmobiles and health and safety programs. A cadre of trained volunteers is ready to aid families affected by disaster.

• South Wind Hospice cares for the physical, social, psychological and spiritual needs of terminally ill patients and their families in their homes or at the South Wind Hospice House.

• Pratt Teen Center serves as a safe gathering place for middle school youth and provides activities for teens through high school age.

• Kansas Children's Service League provides foster home care and education for preschoolers.

• Retired and Senior Volunteer Program utilizes the skills of retired and semi-retired people who give more than half a million dollars in services back to the community each year.

• Salvation Army provides emergency and crisis assistance for utilities, rent, food and clothing and for special programs such as school supplies, glasses and prescriptions.

• United Cerebral Palsy of Kansas offers training and rehabilitation services for Pratt County children who are affected by the disease.

• Counseling Center deals with alcohol and drug abuse in adults and children both as information for deterrent and help in problem cases.